Warning to people aged 35-44 over virus cases
Rapid testing centre now open at Brough Park Leisure Centre
HEALTH chiefs have issued an alert about a ‘worrying’ spike in corona virus cases among people aged between 35 and 44 in Leek.
Those going out to work are particularly affected by the rise in positive Covid-19 tests.
Cases are falling across most parts of Staffordshire but Leek has been identified as a ‘small pocket’ of concern where - despite the ongoing national lockdown - that is not happening.
It’s one of the reason why cases in the Staffordshire Moorlands have started to increase with the seven day rate now standing at 84.3 per 100,000 population.
Dr Richard Harling, director for health and care at Staffordshire County Council, is now urging people to be extra vigilant.
And his counterpart at Stoke-ontrent City Council is continuing to urge people to get tested at least once a week.
Paul Edmondson-jones said: “Testing alongside the vaccine are our best defences against the virus. If we want to make sure lockdown can be eased, then people must get tested once a week at least.
“There is no excuse to not get tested weekly.”
RESIDENTS across the Staffordshire Moorlands – especially those aged 35 to 44 – are being warned to be extra vigilant and get tested following a spike in cases in Leek.
Staffordshire County Council has identified the Queen of the Moorlands as a covid hotspot and is now urging families to go and get a test.
Cases for Staffordshire Moorlands have started to creep back up in the last three weeks with the seven-day rate hitting 84.3 per 100,000 population.
This is higher than the averages for Staffordshire, the West Midland and England.
One rising group that is causing a particular cause for concern for county council health chiefs is people aged 35 to 44 living in Leek.
Dr Richard Harling, director for health and care at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Cases are falling in most parts of Staffordshire, however there are small pockets not following the county trend, which is a concern as we are still in a national lockdown.
“The town of Leek, and in particular the figures for the working aged population between 35 to 44 are becoming a worry.
“The ongoing lockdown means that people must not leave or be outside their home except where necessary. However, some people may need to leave home to go to work, if they cannot work from home
“It is vital these people need to maintain hands, face and space and get tested regularly. One in three people do not show any symptoms and it appears many people in Leek could be unwittingly transmitting the virus whilst at work. “Getting tested if you have to leave home to work is vital in stopping the spread.”
Rapid testing slots are available at Leek’s Brough Park Leisure Centre, right, Sunday to Thursday and there are also pop-up sites on Sunday at Werrington and Caverswall village halls.
Residents are now able to walk in to a community testing sites to get a rapid Covid-19 test. Walk-ins are subject to availability at each individual site or you can book on the community testing page.
People with symptoms or those who have been asked to self-isolate as a close contact of a Covid case should not attend.
Dr Richard Harling added: “It’s also important to remember to only car share if you absolutely have to and follow the government’s best practice advice on this if it’s necessary.”
Rapid coronavirus tests can be booked online at staffordshire. zipporah.co.uk/trackandtrace.
The town of Leek, and in particular the figures for the population between 35 to 44 are becoming a worry
Dr Harling